FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Anyone who has lived in South Florida during the rainy season knows certain low lying areas in several cities tend to have flooding problems during heavy storms.

The National Weather Service called for the possibility of severe thunderstorms beginning Thursday afternoon and lasting through Saturday. A slow-moving warm front is forecast to move through the area Thursday, followed by a cold front on Friday and early Saturday which could result in heavy rainfall and potentially cause localized flooding.

To help their residents in low-lying areas get ready for possible flooding, the City of Hollywood is giving away sandbags. Hollywood’s Department of Public Works will give up to ten sandbags per household.

The sandbags are being handed out at the Public Works facility at 1600 South Park Road until 3 p.m. Thursday. Proof of Hollywood residency, like a driver’s license or a utility bill, is required.

Since there is a limited supply of sandbags, they city asks residents who live in areas not prone to flooding to hold off on getting them.

Residents who do pick up sandbags are reminded that they have a limited shelf life. Once they are placed outside and become saturated, the bags begin to deteriorate. Residents who pick them up but end up not needing them are urged to store them in a dry area, such as a garage or storage shed, to preserve them for future use.

Do not drive down flooded streets. It is often difficult to determine the depth of murky water until it is too late.

Residents whose yards and streets flood are urged to stay inside their homes because it’s the safest place.

Do not go outside or wade in standing flood water, which can contain contaminants such as sewage and chemicals. Also, do not let children or pets play in flood water. Following a heavy storm, sharp debris could be hidden in the water and cause injury. Standing water also may contain harmful bacteria that could cause infection.